• Travis Head stole the spotlight as his fiery knock overshadowed Joe Root's hundred on dramatic Pink Ashes Day 2.

  • Australia are trailing England's first innings 384 by 218 runs at 166/2 after 34.1 overs.

Ashes 2025-26: Fans erupt as Travis Head’s explosive knock overshadows Joe Root’s century on an action-packed Day 2 of Sydney Pink Test
Fans go berserk as Travis Head's blistering knock eclipses Joe Root's century on an eventful Day 2 of Pink Ashes Test (Image source: X)

Fans erupted in frenzy as Travis Head‘s ferocious 91 not out overshadowed Joe Root‘s gritty 160 on a thrilling Day 2 of the 5th Ashes Test at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 4, 2026. Australia, already clinching the series 3-1, trail England‘s first innings 384 by 218 runs at 166/2 after 34.1 overs. The Pink Ashes finale delivered edge-of-seat drama with centuries contested and boundaries flying under Sydney skies.​

Joe Root’s resilient century takes England to a formidable total

England resumed at 211/3 with Root on 72 and Harry Brook on 78, building momentum on a batter-friendly pitch. Root anchored the innings masterfully, converting his overnight score into a majestic 160 off 242 balls with 15 fours, his 41st Test ton equalling Ricky Ponting‘s mark. He shared a crucial 169-run stand with Brook (84 off 97, 6×4, 1×6) before Brook fell to Scott Boland at 226/4, then added 94 with Jamie Smith (46, 6×4, 1×6) to push past 300 in 69.1 overs.​

Stokes (0) departed cheaply to Mitchell Starc soon after, but Root hit 150 off 226 balls amid partnerships like the 50-run seventh-wicket effort with Will Jacks (27). Michael Neser shone with 4/60, dismissing Root caught-and-bowled at 384/9, followed by Josh Tongue (0), as England folded in 97.3 overs at 3.93 RR. Boland (2/85) and Starc (2/93) supported, with surprise wickets from Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green, handing Australia a target to chase aggressively.​

Travis Head’s explosive counterattack puts Australia on the driving seat at the end of Day 2

Australia’s reply ignited with openers Head and Jake Weatherald racing to 57/0 in 12 overs, crossing 50 in 9.2 overs. Weatherald (21, 4×4) fell lbw to Stokes at 57/1, but Head’s onslaught—50 off 55 balls (9×4)—propelled a 105-run second wicket alliance with Labuschagne (48, 7×4). They hit 100 in 20.3 overs and 150 in 28.5, despite DRS drama including Weatherald’s review and England’s failed lbw call on Labuschagne.​

Stokes struck again, snaring Labuschagne at 162/2 in 30.6 overs, but unbeaten Head (91 off 87, 15×4, SR 104.59) dominated England’s attack. Matthew Potts leaked 58/0 in 7 overs, Brydon Carse 43/0 in 9, and Tongue 31/0 in 10, as Australia motored at 4.85 RR with 43/1 in last 10 overs. Rain and gloom ended play early, leaving Head poised to eclipse Root’s effort and tilt Day 3 decisively.

Also READ: Ashes 2025-26: Fans go gaga as Joe Root equals Ricky Ponting with a magnificent 41st Test ton vs Australia on Day 2 of Sydney Test

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Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on , , and .